State contracts for new ferry that will serve Metlakatla

JUNEAU (AP) -- The state has contracted to build another vessel for the Alaska Marine Highway System to run between Metlakatla and Ketchikan.

The contract was awarded to Conrad Industries of Morgan City, Louisiana, said Capt. George Capacci, general manager of the ferry system.

The vessel would be the first one to provide point to point service between only two communities, Capacci said. He calls it a revolutionary transportation improvement for Metlakatla.

The 181-foot vessel, which will be able to carry 149 passengers and 18 vehicles, is scheduled to come on line in the Spring of 2004.

Capacci says the vessel will have an open deck in the aft section. That will enable the system to realize significant savings in vehicle deck monitoring. He said a greater number of Coast Guard regulations come into play with a closed car deck.